Donna Bembenek Joins YMCA of the USA as Vice President of Marketing Communications

CHICAGO (Aug. 7, 2014) – YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national office for 2,700 Ys across the country, is pleased to announce the hiring of Donna Bembenek as vice president of marketing communications. Bembenek, a 25-year marketing communications veteran, joins Y-USA from the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, where she served most recently as senior vice president of external relations, overseeing membership strategy development, marketing communications, financial development and sponsorships.

As vice president, Bembenek will lead a 30-person department charged with setting and executing the creative and strategic direction for national YMCA initiatives and campaigns, particularly the Nationwide Campaign, which aims to increase financial and other resources to support the Y’s cause.

“Donna is a passionate advocate for the Y and recognized leader in our Movement,” said Kate Coleman, executive vice president/chief strategy and advancement officer, Y-USA. “She will give expert leadership to the Y’s national branding and positioning efforts and be an invaluable resource for marketing communications professionals at YMCAs across the country. We are thrilled to have her at Y-USA.”

Prior to joining Y-USA, Bembenek spent eight years at the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, serving in multiple roles throughout her tenure. She has also held executive positions at State Financial Services Corporation and Sundance Broadcasting of Wisconsin. She earned a master’s degree in business administration from Alverno College in Milwaukee, and a bachelor’s degree in public relations and marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

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About the YThe Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net